Citation

Loughland CM, Lawrence G, Allen J, Hunter M, Lewin TJ, Oud NE, Carr VJ. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2009; 44(12): 1031-1040.

Affiliation

Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter New England Mental Health, The University of Newcastle, PO Box 833, Newcastle, NSW, 2300, Australia, Carmel.Loughland@newcastle.edu.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00127-009-0025-5

PMID

19333531

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Exposure to aggression and associated psychological outcomes are poorly characterised among carer-relatives of people with psychosis. METHOD: Carer-relatives (N = 106) completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographics and perceived prevalence of aggression in their caring role in the last 12 months. Carers exposed to moderate-severe levels of aggression were re-approached to assess PTSD and coping strategies. RESULTS: Most respondents (77.4%) reported experiencing moderate-severe levels of aggression. Increased contact with (M = 15.12 vs. M = 6.71 days per month), and significantly higher ratings of affective, antisocial, negative and psychotic symptomology in affected relatives were associated with experiences of moderate-severe aggression. Approximately half of the moderate-severe respondents reported potentially significant levels of PTSD (52%, N = 34), which was associated with greater exposure to verbal aggression and increased usage of coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable ratios of physical to non-physical aggression to those reported by professional carers working in acute psychiatric treatment settings were reported. Carer-relatives require greater levels of information and support to assist them in their community caring roles.

Language: en